Mineralogy & Mining of Oregon Sunstones

Join us this month for an exciting presentation by Dr. Gabriela Farfan of the Smithsonian Institute as she presents on the mining and mineralogy of Oregon Sunstones. Dr. Farfan will also discuss how these experiences led to a career in mineralogy! Oregon Sunstones are a gem-quality form of calcic labradorite from Central Oregon that formed 13-14 million years ago when a volcano in Steens Mountain erupted, pouring out massive amounts of lava. The lava flow was subsequently covered by a vast lake and remained underwater for thousands of years. As the lake gradually dried up, the exposure to weather caused the lava to decompose and reveal loose sunstones.